Overtime Theater Presents LIFE AND DEATH OF THE AMAZING CPT. PILEDRIVER 5/14

Superheroes permeate our culture. They can be found in movies (Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Iron Man, The Incredibles), on TV (Heroes, Chuck, Smallville), videogames, even Youtube videos and pop songs. Except for theme parks, the larger-than-life stories of costumed heroes and villains are almost never portrayed in a mainstage theater production - until now.

The Life & Death of the Amazing Captain Piledriver opens May 14 at the Overtime Theater. Written by Scott McDowell and directed by Lupe Flores, this new, live-action show is a world premiere production. In this original superhero tale, superpowers are a way of life in Excalibur City. But when the masks and secret identities come off, it's not uncommon for heroes and villains to be friends. When the city's champion, Captain Piledriver, falls in battle, Excalibur City is left reeling. Now his girlfriend, Cobalt Girl and his best friend, the villainous Midnight Fiend, must cope with his death and try and find common ground, not knowing that a new problem is growing between them...love.

As described by director Flores, Captain Piledriver is different than the usual "origin of a superhero" tale.

"On the surface, ‘Captain Piledriver' seems to be a fun if silly homage to the American superhero mythos," Flores said. "There is, however, a sincere and realistic depiction of a developing relationship that serves as the core of the story. It's that sort of depiction of human emotion and what results from its expression which makes any narrative worth experiencing, no matter how far-fetched the setting."

Scott McDowell is a San Antonio playwright whose works have been performed for enthusiastic crowds at the Overtime Theater and other local venues. His plays cover a wide range of genres from film noir (The Hard Bargain), to a teen comedy-monster movie mash-up (Frankenstein in Love), to Internet phenomena (Pirates Vs. Ninjas: The Musical), but are always leavened with a fan's passion for pop culture, rapid-fire comic dialogue, and lots of heart.

Lupe Flores will direct. Clyde Compton will be assistant director, and Alessandra Manon will be the stage manager. The cast of The Life & Death of the Amazing Captain Piledriver includes:

Dru Barcus - The Midnight Fiend

Cynthia Davila - Cobalt Girl

Cary Farrow - The Human Shield

Amanda Bianchi - Queen Gladitoria

Liz Vermeulen - The Cougar

Scott McDowell - Captain Obvious

Rob Barron - Captain Piledriver

Jason Vela - Anchorman / Dr. Salt / more
Connie Vela - Anchorwoman / Barrista Girl / Dr. Monster Monster / more
Josh Kublie - Manuel / Barrista Boy / Cutlery Boy / more

Location: The Overtime Theater, in the Blue Star Complex, 1414 S. Alamo, #103, San Antonio, TX 78210.

Show Dates and Times: May 14, 2010 - June 5, 2010. 8 pm Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with one 3 pm Sunday matinee on May 23. (No show on Friday, June 4.)

Ticket Prices: $12 general admission, and $9 for teachers, students, seniors 65+, active military, and SATCO members.

Information & Reservations: www.theovertimetheater.net, info@theovertimetheater.net, and (210) 557-7562.

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